After successfully completing its “first manned space mission” in 2024, Türkiye is focusing on studies that will allow it to remain on the list of countries that have a say in space and aviation.
Türkiye's journey in this area, which began with astronauts Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever carrying out their manned space exploration missions in 2024, is growing exponentially every year.
In this context, Türkiye, which had the opportunity to share its space studies with the world by participating in the IAC organizations in Milan in 2024 and in Sydney last year, is preparing to host one of the largest events in its history this year.
IAC 2026, taking place October 5-9 in Antalya, Turkey, will welcome more than 10,000 space, aviation and scientific leaders, entrepreneurs, astronauts and academics from around the world.
Türkiye will have a space podium
The event, which will turn Türkiye's achievements and projects in the space field into a podium, will be held for the 77th time this year under the theme “The World Needs More Space.”
In addition to space travel, the event also focuses on sustainability, tourism, technology and aviation.
Türkiye will play a role not only as host but also as manager. The election of Yusuf Kıraç, President of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), as Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and President of the Council of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization will confirm Türkiye's weight in space diplomacy.
While Türkiye will increase its share in the space economy, which is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, it will simultaneously orient its diplomatic traffic to take its place among the leading countries in this field.
The congress, which aims to increase the international visibility of Turkey's space ecosystem and contribute to the development of new collaborations, will emphasize that space studies are not only scientific and technological progress, but also a joint effort to build a sustainable, safe and accessible future.
The congress is intended to strengthen international cooperation, pave the way for the emergence of innovative projects and be a meeting point to promote scientific diplomacy.
This year's budget allocated 9 billion lira for space.
While the budget allocated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology for space research last year was 5 billion lira, this year this amount was increased to about 9 billion lira.
Türkiye, which rapidly continued its work in the lunar program last year, recently took an important step in the Spaceport project.
Thanks to the project, Türkiye will be able to launch its own satellites and lunar mission vehicles without depending on another country and will build a port in Somalia that will ensure its complete independence in the space homeland.
The first step took place in 2024
The successful deployment of astronaut Alper Gezeravcı into space on January 18, 2024 and his conduct of 13 scientific experiments on the International Space Station gave Türkiye a new dimension in space exploration.
Then Turkey managed to send two astronauts into space within a year with Tuva Cihangir Atasever's “Suborbital Space Flight” and, with Türksat 6A, became one of the few countries that can produce its own satellite.
Having achieved the goal of “sending a Turkish citizen into space,” Türkiye continues its efforts to gradually realize the other goals set under the National Space Program.
The objectives set in the program include making the first contact with the moon, creating a brand that can compete with the world in the field of new generation satellite development, developing a regional positioning and timing system for Türkiye, providing access to space and establishing a space port business, bringing the country to an advanced level in astronomical observations and tracking of space objects from the ground, developing the space industrial economy in the country, and establishing a space technology development zone.
Türkiye's ascent into space is announced to the world
Stating that preparations for the IAC, which will be the meeting place for scientists, students, entrepreneurs, space companies and space agencies of many countries, are continuing rapidly, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır said: “With the National Space Program that we have implemented under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will organize an event that suits our country, the world Türkiye's rise in space science and technology announce and ensure that space studies serve the shared future.” of humanity.” gave his assessment.
The event takes place at the NEST Congress Center
IAC, one of the most comprehensive and prestigious space events in the world, will be held at Antalya NEST Congress Center, hosted by TUA and SAHA Istanbul, under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
As part of IAC 2026 Antalya, high-level meetings, presentations from institutions and companies, as well as academic and technical sessions in which current research results are exchanged will take place at an international exhibition center.
During the congress, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, students, space companies, space agencies and decision-makers will meet in Antalya and discuss strategies, projects and collaborations that will shape the future of the global space ecosystem.
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